After suffering two defeats in the Concacaf Nations League, the U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT) now faces a crucial period as they gear up for the 2026 World Cup. The team has just 14 months and limited matches to prepare, raising concerns about their progress.

The USMNT recently lost 1-0 to Panama in the semifinals and followed that with a 2-1 loss to Canada, intensifying worries about their capabilities ahead of the World Cup. This was a disappointing continuation from their group-stage exit at the Copa America last summer. The recent managerial change from Gregg Berhalter to Mauricio Pochettino adds to the uncertainty surrounding the team’s future performance.

Pochettino expressed hope, stating, “It’s better now because I think we have time,” emphasizing the need to identify and implement strategies for improvement. If problems persist in a year, he warned, it could indicate significant issues within the team.

Upcoming Matches:
The USMNT will play friendly matches against Turkiye and Switzerland in June, marking an essential opportunity for a strong performance before participating in the Concacaf Gold Cup starting June 14.

Gold Cup Context:
This tournament is particularly vital as it serves as the last chance for the USMNT to secure a trophy before the World Cup, following the difficulties they faced in the Nations League. With their last Gold Cup victory in 2021, many familiar faces might return, even if some key players are absent due to overlapping commitments with the FIFA Club World Cup.

Next Steps for the USMNT:
The upcoming schedule includes:

• June 7: USMNT vs. Turkiye (Friendly)
• June 10: USMNT vs. Switzerland (Friendly)
• June 14 - July 6: Concacaf Gold Cup
• Additional international windows leading up to the World Cup in June 2026.

As the path towards future matches builds up, both the coaching staff and players are aware that significant improvements need to happen quickly.